The term cloud kitchen or ghost kitchen refers to a model where food is prepared and delivered to the doorsteps of customers. There is no such concept of physical dining space, and the orders are accepted through calls, websites, or online ordering platforms. As per a survey conducted by RedSeer Management Consulting, cloud kitchens are projected to become a $2 billion industry in India by 2024.
How to run a cloud kitchen business successfully?
Let’s delve deep into the tips for streamlining your cloud kitchen business.
Manage orders centrally – As the premise of cloud kitchen works on accepting orders from websites, online food ordering platforms, third-party applications and calls, there can be a huge inflow of orders from several sources. Managing multiple orders manually can lead to confusion and delay in meeting the customer requests. The best way to deal with this problem is to implement a cloud based restaurant management system that seamlessly processes orders from multiple sources.
Optimise your delivery operations – It is necessary to ensure that the time taken to process and deliver each order is optimum. Set Standard operating procedures (SOP) and invest in automated tools for streamlining operations. Build your own website, mobile app and get listed in third party food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato for boosting sales.
Implement robust staffing practices – Though it requires only minimal staff to run the cloud kitchen, ensure that your employees are well equipped to meet the surge in orders during peak times. Create a staffing plan, train employees on multiple tasks and deliver proper training sessions so that huge volumes can be handled effortlessly.
Build a standardised delivery system – Delayed or inaccurate deliveries can mar the reputation of your cloud kitchen. Assign specific responsibilities to the kitchen staff and delivery drivers. Ensure that the drivers are well versed on the delivery routes and optimise the routing in accordance with employee scheduling.
Focus on automation – Invest in automation so that manual efforts and chances of errors can be brought down to the minimum. Implementing cloud kitchen software such as inresto can take care of multiple functions such as managing all orders at a central place, real-time inventory tracking, cutting down wastage and theft. Automated purchase orders helps you streamline vendor management quite easily.
Provide excellent service – Follow proper packaging procedures and make sure that containers are sealed properly before delivering orders. Provide delivery executives with insulated food bags that help in maintaining the temperature of cold and hot items.
Parting Words
The concept of cloud kitchen has wide acceptance due to the challenges posed by Covid-19. The above tips can be quite helpful in streamlining your cloud kitchen venture. Each kitchen is unique and presents its own unique set of issues. Due to the fact that kitchens are utilised for so many different purposes these days, optimizing usable space with kitchen renovations perth specialist is critical.
